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Disaster Unemployment Assistance

The EDD helps people and businesses in California who have been affected by disasters.

If you lost your job or can’t work because of a disaster, you may qualify for Unemployment Insurance, Disability Insurance (DI), or Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits.

If the president of the United States declares a disaster, Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) may also be available for workers and self-employed people who do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits.

For information on current disasters, visit EDD Disaster-Related Services.

How to Apply for Benefits

Online

UI Online is the fastest way to apply for unemployment benefits.

UI Online

By Phone

Call one of the these toll-free numbers, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Pacific Time). Closed on state holidays.

  • English and Spanish:1-800-300-5616
  • Armenian: 1-855-528-1518
  • Cantonese: 1-800-547-3506
  • Korean: 1-844-660-0877
  • Mandarin: 1-866-303-0706
  • Tagalog: 1-866-395-1513
  • Vietnamese: 1-800-547-2058
  • TTY: 1-800-815-9387

Fax or Mail

  • If you use UI Online to apply for benefits, you may be asked to fax or mail your application. If so, the Unemployment Insurance Application (DE 1101I) will appear.
  • For faster processing, fax the completed form to the number listed on the form. If you mail your application, use the address on the form and allow extra time for processing.
  • If you have a claim but can’t get payments at home because of the disaster, contact your local post office.

Program Eligibility

If you lost your job or can’t work because of a disaster, you may qualify for one of these programs:

Unemployment
  • If you are out of work because of a disaster, you may be eligible for unemployment benefits.
  • When you apply for benefits, tell us that you’re unemployed because of a disaster.
DUA
  • If the president of the United States declares a disaster in your area, DUA may be available. If you lose your job because of the disaster, and do not qualify for regular unemployment benefits, you may be able to get DUA.
  • For more details and eligibility information, check the Fact Sheet: Disaster Employment Assistance (DE 8714DUA) (PDF).
DI If you become sick or hurt and can’t work because of a disaster, you may qualify for DI benefits.
PFL If you need to care for a family member hurt in the disaster, you may qualify for PFL benefits.

Additional Resources